I'm pretty sure I've shared things from the Apartment Therapy book before. Although the fixing-up-my-apartment project continues [forever], after four months of borrowing the book from my library it's finally due. I have one more section that I've been meaning to share, and it's from the appendix. I've tried a bunch of this stuff, and it just seems good, so here it is:
35 Suggestions for a Healthy Home
When you wake up in the morning, make your bed. [I usually do now. I like it.]
Make sure the seat is down after you use the toilet. [I always do this. One time I actually left it open and Paley accidentally jumped into the toilet, because she usually jumps from the toilet seat to the sink, and didn't know to be careful. It was pretty funny and she got a bath right after I pulled her out. Poor cat.]
Always leave the shower curtain pulled across, so that it can dry and not mildew. [I try to remember this. It also makes my bathroom more colorful.]
Use your kitchen in the morning, even if it is only to have a glass of orange juice.
Take out the recycling when you leave home each morning. [I hate the environment so this doesn't apply to me.*]
Always include a thank you note with your rent. [I started doing this. I like it and will continue to do it. Now that I think about it, I bet it could just be a card that says "Thank You" with the check in it. What I've been doing is giving him an update on the apartment and telling him a little of what I'm up to. For example, this month I will update him on my painting project. Maybe I'll start doing just a blank thank you card for months that I don't have things to tell him about?]
Have your paper delivered. It is cheaper and more efficient.
Always go out of your way to say good morning to your neighbors on the street.
Pick up garbage in front of your building even if it's not yours. [Dilemma: I have a neighbor who is a collector. Of everything. I've heard his apartment is packed with stuff. He has two cars next to the house that are full of stuff too. I want to get rid of the junk on the side of our house, but I think he may be "saving" some of it. What to do?]
Before you leave the office, take five minutes to clean up your desk. [More relevant if you have a desk at work.]
On Fridays, take fifteen minutes and clear your desk, throwing out or filing all Post-Its, cards, or papers that are old.
Buy flowers for your apartment at least once a week on your way home from work. [I did this for a few weeks, but it gets kind of spendy on a student budget. Still, it brought life to my old little house. I wonder if the kitchen herbs will have the same effect? Eh. Probably not.]
Take off your street shoes when you come home. Use house shoes inside your home. [I started wearing house sandals. I like this and will continue to wear them.]
Hang your coat up right away when you come home.
Sort your mail right away when you come home.
Keep all coats, bags, and shoes by the front door. [Works better if you have an entryway, I would guess.]
Use the time just after you get home to run any local errands, such as dry cleaning, pharmacy, or laundry.
Check your messages right away and then erase the tape. [Huh. Do people still have answering machines?]
Return all your calls before dinner.
Use a cordless headset to make calls while you cook or straighten up your house. [ = Bluetooth?]
Don't let your refrigerator fill up with old food.
Always eat on a real plate with a real napkin.
Light a candle when you eat, even if you are alone.
Drink water.
When you are done, clean up and take this opportunity to clean your counters and table. If any counters or tables need oiling, do it right away.
Do all dishes before you go to bed.
Floss each night.
Don't make calls after 9 p.m.
Put all clothes away or in the laundry before going to bed each night.
Take a bath before bed if you have trouble sleeping.
Plan on at least 7 1/2 hours of sleep a night.
Buy good bedding. Invest in a good bed. [Someday.]
Get in bed early and read for 30 minutes.
Only have one book at your bedside at a time. Finish the books you start.
Give four parties a year.
Anyway, those are the 35. I almost felt like I should bold all of the ones that I'm doing and post it on Facebook. Doesn't it seem like one of those?
*Just kidding. Mostly. I did switch to earth-friendly dish soap and laundry detergent because of this book.
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6 comments:
Most of these things seem like they'd really help slow the pace of the day and help one relax a bit--I might have to try some.
I finally broke down and dropped serious cash on a mattress last summer. One of the best decisions I've ever made. Seriously, this is something to save up for and get.
I like this list. It kind of does feel like one of those Facebook-y things. I don't live in an apartment but I do live in a 900 square foot house with 5 other people so I'll bet a lot of this book could apply to me.
Regarding fresh flowers- I'll bet there are flowering shrubs in your neighborhood that people wouldn't mind you taking a clipping from as you walk by. Ask, of course, I'm sure someone will say yes. I seldom buy flowers but a few azaleas or dogwood blossoms (I'm down South) are always pretty in a little vase and make my family (and me) feel special.
Oh, and I am NOT going to comment on every single post you've made for the last month, but I keep wanting to say things :)
great info. thx!
MrsKamorri, thanks for your comments! It is a fantastic book. I renewed it from my library because I liked it so much. I'm a little sad that your blog is blank because I enjoyed your comments on my posts.
Many of the suggestions following "Don't make calls after 9 p.m." preclude a social life where you're actually getting some...
Oh, yeah, that's because it's for a healthy home. Healthy is like, go to bed at 10 and get up at 6 am, and exercise, and do things. That's totally different than having a fun social life. 35 Suggestions for a Happy Social Life would probably include different things. :)
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